Yellow/White Birch

Other Common Names/Trade Names: Paper birchScientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis, Betula papyriferaBest Characteristics for Identification: Pores wider than the rays. Diffuse porous. Hard.Uses: Lumber, veneer, cabinetry, furniture, turning products, toothpicks, tongue depressors, etc. Pulp.General Natural Range: Yellow birch: Minnesota east to Canadian Maritimes. South along the Appalachian mountains to North Carolina.White birch: Transcontinental from Alaska to Newfoundland along the northern treeline. South to Iowa and Pennsylvania.Identical or Nearly Identical Species: Sweet birch.Other Species Easily Confused With: Maples, red alder.Means of Distinguishing Similar Species : Maples have rays wider than the pores, whereas the birches have pores wider than the rays. Red alder frequently has aggregate rays and ages to a darker reddish brown color than the birches have.